In horary astrology, Reception is the art of understanding how planets feel about one another.
Even if two planets form an aspect, the event’s success often depends on whether they like, trust, or support each other.
Reception shows emotional and energetic cooperation — it’s cosmic sympathy.

You can think of aspects as actions, and receptions as the attitudes behind those actions.
Without reception, even a perfect trine can fail; with strong reception, even a square can succeed.

1. What Is Reception?

Reception occurs when one planet is in a sign (or degree) ruled by another planet.
In that situation, the receiving planet recognizes the other and offers help or favor.

Example:

• Venus in Aries → Mars rules Aries.
• Therefore, Mars receives Venus — Mars “welcomes” Venus into his home.
  This means Mars is inclined to help Venus, even if the aspect is tense.

Reception describes the willingness to cooperate, while the aspect shows how that cooperation happens.

2. The Five Levels of Reception

A planet may receive another through various dignities — each shows a different level of sympathy or assistance.

Reception strength depends on how deep the rulership connection goes — sign reception is strongest; face reception weakest.

3. Mutual Reception — Perfect Cooperation

When two planets each occupy one another’s dignities, this is Mutual Reception — the strongest form of collaboration.

They “swap houses,” agreeing to assist and empower each other.

Example:

• Venus in Aries (Mars’s sign), Mars in Libra (Venus’s sign).
  → Mutual reception by sign.
  Even though Venus and Mars are in detriment, they help one another overcome weakness.

Mutual reception often saves a situation that would otherwise fail.

4. How Reception Works in Judgment

Reception modifies the meaning of aspects:

• Without reception: Aspects may bring rejection or indifference.
• With reception: Aspects bring cooperation and goodwill.

Example:

Venus applying to Mars by trine, but no reception → polite interest, not deep connection.
Venus applying to Mars by square with reception → strong desire, effort, success through struggle.

Reception softens difficult aspects and strengthens weak ones.

5. No Reception — Indifference or Rejection

When a planet applies to another but has no dignities in its sign, the receiving planet doesn’t “recognize” or care for it.

Example:
Mercury in Cancer applies to Mars in Aquarius — Mars has no dignity in Cancer → No reception.
Mars may reject or ignore Mercury’s efforts.

No reception = lack of sympathy, disinterest, or emotional coldness.

6. Reception by Malefics

Reception involving malefic planets (Mars, Saturn) requires care.
If a malefic receives another planet, it may help but hurt — like a strict teacher or tough love.

Example:
Saturn in Capricorn receiving the Moon → Saturn helps but limits.
The event succeeds but under pressure, discipline, or delay.

Reception by malefics often indicates difficulty leading to growth.

7. Example: Reception in a Relationship Question

Question: “Will he return to me?”

• Querent = Venus
• Partner = Mars
• Venus applies to Mars by square.
• Venus in Aries → Mars receives Venus by sign (strong reception).
  Interpretation:

Even though the square shows tension, Mars’s reception means he still cares and will respond positively.
Reunion likely, but with emotional effort and compromise.

8. Example: Reception in a Career Question

Question: “Will I get the new job?”

• Querent = Moon (ruler of 1st)
• Job = Saturn (ruler of 10th)
• Moon in Aquarius (Saturn’s sign) → Saturn receives Moon.
• Moon applies to Saturn by trine → harmonious connection.
  ✅ Interpretation:

The company (Saturn) welcomes the querent (Moon) — cooperation and mutual benefit.
Result: Success and acceptance.

If instead Moon were in Leo (Sun’s sign, Saturn’s detriment):
❌ Saturn would not receive the Moon — rejection or incompatibility likely.

9. Mixed Receptions

Sometimes, one planet receives the other, but not vice versa — creating one-sided sympathy.

Example:

• Venus in Scorpio (Mars’s sign) → Mars receives Venus.
• Mars in Gemini (Mercury’s sign) → Venus does not receive Mars.
  Here, Mars likes Venus, but Venus is indifferent.

In relationships, this indicates unbalanced affection or one person trying harder.

10. Reception by Exaltation — Idealization

When one planet is in the exaltation of another, it admires or idealizes it — sometimes unrealistically.

Example:

Moon in Pisces (exalted) applying to Venus in Taurus (Venus receives by exaltation).
The Moon idealizes Venus; feelings may be more fantasy than reality.

Reception by exaltation is passionate but not always practical.

11. Reception by Fall or Detriment

If a planet is in the fall or detriment of another, it shows dislike, discomfort, or rejection.

Example:

Venus in Virgo (Mercury’s sign, Venus in fall) applying to Mercury.
Mercury receives Venus by fall → Mercury dislikes Venus’s expression.
This can mean rejection or disapproval in a relationship or deal.

Such receptions must be interpreted as emotional resistance or disagreement.

12. Multiple Receptions

In some charts, two planets share more than one kind of reception (e.g., by sign and by triplicity).
This multiplies their cooperation, making the relationship stronger.

Example:

Sun in Aries and Jupiter in Leo → mutual reception by triplicity and face → loyalty and enthusiasm.

The more dignities involved, the more robust the cooperation.

13. No Aspect but Reception

Sometimes planets have no aspect, yet reception exists.
This means emotional or energetic sympathy but no direct contact.
Events may not manifest yet, but goodwill or attraction is still present.

Example:

Venus in Taurus and Mars in Capricorn → mutual reception by triplicity but no aspect → strong mutual interest, delayed union.

14. The Role of Reception with the Moon

Since the Moon acts as the co-significator of the question, its reception can indicate the emotional climate or public attitude.

• Moon received by benefic → ease, protection.
• Moon received by malefic → stress, exhaustion, duty.
• Moon receives another planet → emotional involvement or care.

Example:

Moon applying to Saturn, but Saturn receives Moon → emotional difficulty yet eventual support.

15. Reception and Timing

Reception doesn’t change when an event happens but affects how smoothly it unfolds.
Without reception, even perfected aspects may produce dissatisfaction or regret.
With strong reception, events are easier, more cooperative, and emotionally fulfilling.

16. Summary Table of Receptions

17. Final Insight

Reception teaches us that relationships between planets are emotional as well as mechanical.
Aspects show the action; reception shows the feeling behind it.
Without reception, actions fail to find warmth or understanding.
With reception, even obstacles melt through mutual cooperation.

Reception is the soul of horary astrology — it reveals not just what happens, but how hearts respond.